Timing the Migration
 

I realize that it is impossible to guarantee, but we a planning a trip to Tanzania and Kenya next summer. I would assume that it is best to go to the Serengati first, than Maasai Mari. (?)

If I will be in Western Serengati (probably Kirawira) for three nights then moving to Bateleur or Governor's Moran in Maasai Mara for three nights,what part of June and July do you think I should book for the greatest chance of seeing the Migration in one or both of those locations?

I am really obsessing over this and I would appreciate any comments. I have read that this year the herd was moving into northern Serengati / Kenya in late July. Since I have no idea how long it USUALLY takes them to go from one part of the country to the next, I am having a hard time figuring this out.

Please help!

The absolute best place to experience the migration is in the Masai Mara when the herds are in!

Can you go in early August and stay for 5 nights or so? IlMoran is excellent - but if you are obsessed with crossings, etc you can also try Rekero camp which is closest to the crossing areas.

It is not easy for me to suggest moving outside the park in August. Bateleur, etc is close but due to the Mara River and the lack of bridges the game drives from there are somewhat restricted in that they have to go long ways to get to areas east of the Mara.

I try to maintain some migration maps to help understand the movements: http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/serengeti.htm

"when the herds are in!" Good one, Eben, I like.

Yes, August would be ideal. And, not to early to be booking at this time for 2007.

Another camp near Rekero and recently relocated to inside the Mara Triangle is Naibor. A bit more lux than Rekero, owned by the same people who own Shompole. See: http://www.shompole.com/ (select Naibor)

Eben,

Do you think Cat sightings in the mara are more prevalent during the migration or is just as good, year round?

Hari

I also caught the migration in the Masai Mara in August, and I visited the Serengeti just afterwards. The difference between the number of animals in the Masai Mara compared to the Serengeti was enormous -- tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, in the Mara, and none in the Serengeti. But, to me, the Serengeti was still fantastic, and we saw lots of lion, cheetah and one leopard, plus large groups of elephants, hippo, buffalo, basically everything but the migratory animals.

It will be difficult to see the migration in both places in a short window.

I agree -- the Mara in August is incredible.

Hari, we saw many, many lion in the Mara and lots of cheetah, and several large groups of hyena. I have been to lots of parks in Africa, and my Masai Mara experience remains the very best.

Michael,

Yes, i agree. I hv only been to the Mara during the migration and yes, it was awesome!!!

However, if i were to return, i want to do so when the crowds are fewer....the reason is: yes, we did see plenty of cats....but, didnt spend more than 5 minutes at any sighting because of the crowds. This was drives by Governor's camp.

Hari

Sandi, wow that is great news about Naibor!

Do you know when and where for Naibor inside the Triangle instead of their old location at the Group Ranch?

Eben -

Just south of the Rekero crossing. They relocated as July 1.

For July - how about Sayari? It is up north in the Serengeti right near the Kenyan Border on the Mara River and the herds should be crossing through at that time.

<font color="red">Thit cho and Jasher:<font color="black"> Thanks for recommending we go to the Mara for our trip next week. If not for your advice (and our booking in January), we would not be about to have what sounds like the experience of a lifetime. Thanks also to so many of you Fodorites who has assisted us.

Jambo,

<font color="red">Kevin from California</font></font></font>

sorry about the typos. I hit post instead of preview.

Please also note we are planning to get together with AmyH in the Mara when we arrive from Samburu on Aug. 11th. The plan is to go on the afternoon game drive together. (They are staying at Il Moran we are at Little Governors.) They leave for the U.S. the next day

Kevin

Kevin, I travel often, and my trip to the Masai Mara stands out as one of the very best -- you are very lucky to be visiting in August.

In late August, I am traveling to Bosnia, Croatia, Albania and Macedonia -- a very different trip to the Masai Mara.

Have a great time, Michael

Kevin and AmyH,
Hope you both have great trips!

Thit cho (Michael): If you are ever in Los Angeles in your travels, my wife and I would love to take you out to dinner to thank you.

Thanks again,

Kevin

I want to thank everyone for their comments. Based on what I read, I've decided to move the trip to the beginning of August.